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Demand Response: A rewarding way to save

Check out BGE’s Demand Response programs and help keep energy costs down for everyone.

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What is Demand Response and why is it needed?

When faced with extremely hot or cold temperatures, demand on the electric grid increases. Demand Response programs incentivize customers to reduce their energy use when demand peaks, helping manage the rise in electricity usage by reducing the load on the grid. Customers can participate by making their own energy savings adjustments or by enrolling in one of BGE’s automated programs.

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You count on BGE to deliver reliable energy 24/7. To do that, we analyze trends and work to match energy supply with the highest expected energy demand at any given time.

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Typically, there is more than enough supply to meet that demand. But when we have extreme weather (like very hot or cold days), homeowners and businesses use more energy than usual for cooling/ heating. This creates a “peak” in demand.

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To handle these peaks, specialized power plants that only come online when the grid requires additional energy to operate may be needed. These specialized power plants are often carbon-intensive and cost a lot more to build and operate as compared to daily operating power plants, which makes the energy they supply more expensive and not as clean.

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Demand Response gives us a better alternative to manage short-term energy needs without building additional power plants, which helps keep costs down for everyone.

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Through our Demand Response programs we are able to balance customer energy use during these peak periods, ensuring reliable energy delivery while rewarding participants for their engagement.

Why participate?

With BGE’s Demand Response programs, you can earn rewards for using less energy at times of peak demand. You also become part of a solution that makes an impact.

What’s in it for you:

Get paid to use less energy.

Help keep energy costs down.

What’s in it for your community:

Everyone can pay less if we balance energy demand with energy supply.

It’s better for the environment than operating additional power plants.

What’s in it for BGE:

It helps us manage supply during periods of high energy demand.

It aligns with Maryland’s goal to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2050 and lead Maryland to a clean and sustainable future.

Want to get involved?

Here are a few ways we can work together.

Did You Know?

BGE residential customers earned $10M in bill credits and gift cards through Demand Response programs in 2023.

Ways to save 

Here are a few examples of ways to save energy on Energy Savings Days and every day.

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Shift the time of day you use energy-consuming appliances and devices to before or after the peak energy demand period.
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Adjust your thermostat a few degrees to use less energy for cooling or heating your home during the peak/adjustment event.
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Turn off electronic devices you’re not using.
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If you can’t wash clothes before or after an event, wash them in cold or cool water.
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Load the dishwasher and use the delay cycle (if you have one) to run the load overnight.
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Use smart plugs and smart power strips with devices that continue to draw energy when not in use.

BGE’s My Account has tools to help you understand and be aware of your household energy usage to help inform how you can adjust your routine to reduce your usage during Demand Response events. If you don’t already have a free account, sign up now and check out the View My Usage feature.

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EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your energy bill. EmPOWER programs can help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money. Learn more about EmPOWER Maryland.